The intracranial stents market in Japan is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 14% between 2020 and 2025, driven by the importance and time-sensitivity of neurological procedures, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

As COVID-19 cases subside and vaccinations continue, procedure volumes are expected to grow for intracranial stenting as hospitals work through the backlog of procedures.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Intracranial Stents (Neurology Devices) – Global Market Analysis and Forecast Model (COVID-19 Market Impact)’, reveals that Stryker Corporation was the leading player in the intracranial stents market in Japan in 2020.

Anusha Kaushik, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Intracranial stenting procedure is rare and is performed on patients suffering from intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The growth of intracranial stenting in Japan is driven by the increasing prevalence rate of ICAD, high awareness of stroke and ICAD, and positive clinical trials results.”

Intracranial stenting in Japanese population is used for both preventative purpose as well as a rescue therapy. Previously, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in ICAD patients in Japan with intracranial stenosis, and balloon-expandable coronary stents were sometimes used off-label to treat post-PTA restenosis. The Japanese national health insurance system has now started reimbursement for intracranial stenting procedure which is expected to result in higher procedure volumes in the coming years.

Ms. Kaushik concludes: “Intracranial stenting is expected to grow in Japan due to factors such as increased training and experience of healthcare professionals, increased usage of stents for rescue therapy in acute stroke patients, and the successful reporting of long-term stenting results. The Wingspan stent (Stryker) is now approved in Japan and reimbursed under strict guidelines. The Wingspan stent is used for rescue therapy in patients with vascular dissection, acute occlusion, or impending occlusion caused during PTA, or in post-PTA patients.”